Combustor Wall Aperture Deflector for Uniform Quench Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combustor walls in turbine engines do not promote a uniform pattern factor downstream of quench apertures, leading to variations in mixing and potential durability issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a wall deflector in the combustor wall structure to redirect airflow and influence vortex systems, thereby stabilizing the mixing pattern and reducing variations downstream of quench apertures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a conventional combustor wall structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the mixing pattern downstream of quench apertures is non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of mixing patternVSAvoidcombustor wall structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A wall deflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the quench aperture and the downstream flow path. This deflector redirects the jet flow from the quench aperture to create a more uniform mixing pattern downstream, acting as a mediator that modifies the flow characteristics without requiring complete structural redesign of the combustor wall

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wall deflector extends in the axial direction from the quench aperture, adding a dimensional element to the otherwise planar combustor wall structure. This axial extension allows the deflector to influence the downstream flow pattern by creating a three-dimensional flow redirection effect that promotes uniformity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If quench apertures are used for cooling, then cooling is achieved, but variations in mixing patterns occur downstream

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidconsistency of mixing pattern
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The wall deflector serves as an intermediary that decouples the cooling function from the mixing uniformity problem. It allows the quench aperture to perform its cooling function while the deflector simultaneously modifies the downstream flow to achieve uniform mixing, resolving the contradiction between cooling effectiveness and mixing consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If no flow redirection is provided, then the structure is simple, but durability of components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of combustion and turbine componentsVSAvoidcombustor wall structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall deflector is a relatively simple intermediary component that provides flow redirection to improve durability. By introducing this single element, the system achieves better component durability through more uniform mixing and reduced thermal stress variations, without requiring complex structural modifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wall deflector changes the flow parameters (direction, velocity distribution) downstream of the quench aperture. This parameter modification leads to more uniform mixing patterns and improved thermal field distribution, thereby enhancing the durability of combustion and turbine section components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The wall deflector enhances the durability of combustion and turbine section components by reducing variations in mixing patterns and cooling requirements.

Implementation Method 1

redirect airflow and influence vortex systems

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

redirect airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow redirection: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP4428442B1Turbine engine combustor wall with aperture deflector
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 RTX CORP
  • EP4428442B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4428442B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4428442B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus is provided for a turbine engine (20). This turbine engine (20) apparatus includes a combustor wall (74), and the combustor wall (74) includes a panel (86), a deflector (106) and a quench aperture (72) that extends along an aperture centerline (138) through the combustor wall (74) to an aperture outlet (152) into a combustion chamber (58). The panel (86) extends axially along and circumferentially about an axis (22). The panel (86) extends radially between a first panel side (118) and a second panel side (120). The first panel side (118) forms a peripheral boundary of the combustion chamber (58). The panel (86) forms a downstream side (158) of the aperture outlet (152) at the first panel side (118). The deflector (106) projects out from the panel (86) at the first panel side (118) into the combustion chamber (58). The deflector (106) forms an upstream side (156) of the aperture outlet (152).